Great for preparing for licensing exams, previous editions of this guide have been prized by thousands of students and professionals for the book's uniquely thorough coverage, ranging from dc and ac concepts and circuits to semiconductors and integrated circuits. Packed with more than 500 learning-enhanced illustrations, practical examples, and self-quizzes and tests, this matchless reference:

* Helps you solve current-voltage-resistance-impedance problems and make power calculations
* Teaches simple circuit design and optimization of circuit efficiency
* Explains the theory behind advanced audio systems and amplifiers for live music
* Features practical new information on wireless technologies, computers, the Internet, and more

Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics is divided into four major sections: Direct Current, Alternating Current, Basic Electronics, and Advanced Electronics and Related Technology. Each chapter has comprehensive qizzes and each section finishes with a multiple-choice test. It is notable that you need nothing more than junior high school level geometry, algebra and physics to cope. There is also a "final" examination!

I think it represents excellent value for money to hobbyists, professionals and technicians. Comes very highly recommended from me, and with very good reason.


exceptional, so far   April 28, 2002
Charles Worton (edmonton, Alberta Canada)
46 out of 56 found this review helpful

I must preface this by saying I have only completed the first chapter. To this point, I find the material very clearly presented, with no errors. Gibilisco starts with the absolute basics, by describing the composition of atoms. He progresses into explaining atomic numbers, atomic weight, compounds, and shows how electrical flow is achieved by electron movement from one atom to another. He defines amps, volts (also known as EMF, electromotive force) and introduces ohms law. Coulombs are clearly defined and discussed, as are semiconductors. There's more, but you get the idea; this book builds knowledge through the logical progression of simple concepts, well explained and clearly illustrated.

There is a test at the end of every chapter. I've found the presence of a chapter content test to be a pretty good indicator of a quality self teaching text, and that's certainly true here. The tests are multiple choice, and structured so that 1 answer is correct, while another is *almost* correct... the result really makes you think, as another reviewer noted. The tests are open book, with a closed book final exam at the end of the text.

I should comment on another review, which stated that the first chapter test questions were not relevant to the chapter content. This is incorrect; in fact, every question in the first test can be answered by referring to the first chapter of the text, even the 'photocell' question cited in the review. It's all there; you do have to be prepared to read and study, but the material is all present.

If I had any criticism at all to this point, I would state that I find the authors writing style to be somewhat dry. (I think I'm going to ship him a box of commas, semicolons, and exclamation marks). However, the short, simple sentences may actually enhance learning... and this is a minor quibble, in any case. Just don't expect it to read like a Thriller novel.

I've encountered books in the past that started off wonderfully, and bogged down half way through. As I've only just started the text, I cannot state whether this will happen. However, the high marks given this text by other reviewers are very encouraging.

In closing, it's very clear that the author has exerted enormous effort to create a particularly well written and thorough self teaching text. This book was very clearly designed from the start to be a "one stop shop"... literally, all you need to learn electronics theory, all in one package. It has the capability to impart an in-depth knowledge of electronics to anyone who works at it. Most books aren't this clear; few books are this detailed.

But if other authors will follow Gibilisco's example, more will be.


Really makes you think   April 9, 2002
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

This book explains the theoretical concepts of electricity and electronics very well. The quizzes really make you think, but they're open-book. The tests and the final exam are, as the author promises, easier, but they're closed-book. I've never seen a book that has so many well-written practice questions. I would like to see more material on advanced systems concepts and aerospace applications, but maybe that is asking too much for an introductory text (and it reflects my own bias!). I have recommended this book to several of my colleagues.